Department of Special Education

University of Missouri

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Project SMART-MBH

Scholars in Multi-Tiered Approaches to Research and Training in Mental and Behavioral Health: Collaborative Training in Special Education and School Psychology

A brain and the words SMART MBH

SMART-MBH is a partnership between Northern Illinois University (NIU) School Psychology and University of Missouri Special Education doctoral programs.

The SMART-MBH Project will train and provide scholars with:

  • Free tuition + $34k stipend
  • Expertise in multi-tiered systems of support to promote the mental and behavioral health (MBH) of all students, including high needs students with disabilities
  • Unique training in collaboration with other educational professionals in schools to support the mental and behavioral health of all students
  • Skills to advance the science of MBH through rigorous research
  • Unique and comprehensive preparation in teaching mentorship/supervision, and professional engagement

Goals

Scholars will gain leadership positions to train and mentor students, produce high quality and fundable research, and demonstrate leadership to the field that positively impacts mental and behavioral services for all students including students with high intensity needs and members of traditionally marginalized groups.  

Who is eligible?

Students entering the School Psychology Ph.D. Program at Northern Illinois University (NIU) or Special Education Ph.D. Program at University of Missouri (Mizzou) for Fall of 2024. 

Email Aaron Campbell or Chad Rose for more details. 

Scholar Benefits

Gain content expertise in evidence-based prevention and intervention of MBH 
  • Learn how to provide evidence-based supports that create positive mental and behavioral environments and engage all students in learning at Tier 1/Universal level 
  • Learn how to provide more intensive evidence-based supports for students with higher levels of mental and behavioral needs at Tier 2 and Tier 3 
  • Collaborate and consult with other educational professionals 

Learn skills to advance the science of MBH 
  • Gain skills in advanced research design and statistical methodology 
  • Training on conducting and disseminating independent research that advances knowledge in mental and behavioral health 
  • Training on identifying, writing, and designing grant projects 
  • Demonstrate leadership to the field that positively impacts mental and behavioral services for all students  

Preparation for academia 
  • Training and applied experience on university teaching 
  • How to mentor and supervise students 

Additional benefits 
  • Financial package for the entirety of the program including summer terms for tuition waivers, fees, stipends, health insurance, and more 
  • Summer training opportunities through intensive stats camp 
  • Intensive training with members from other discipline including shared coursework and seminars